Selector demands inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq's injury

A senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee has questioned the severity of Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury and called for an inquiry into the treatment protocols after the opener did not bat during Pakistan's 194-run loss against England in the second Test at Lord's last Sunday.

Aaqib Javed, part of a four-member national selection panel, told Pakistan's private news channel Geo TV during an interview aired on Tuesday night: "An inquiry will be conducted into this matter."

Javed questioned how Imam could miss both innings after pulling up with a muscle problem. "How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?" he said.

"Injuries do occur and we have seen instances in the past where players -- even with casts -- have gone out and made an effort. This situation is different. It is a matter of great concern, and action will be taken regarding it," Javed added.

Imam sustained the injury while fielding on the opening day at Lord's and took no further part in the match. Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim was among those who expressed concern in the Pakistan media. After Wasim's criticism, Imam appeared in the outfield before play on the fourth day on Sunday but was visibly limping as he shadow-batted, with his left calf heavily strapped.

The injury controversy comes amid a broader upheaval in Pakistan's squad and coaching staff following consecutive defeats at Headingley and Lord's. Imam was one of seven players recalled from England by the PCB, along with bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will take charge of the team for the final Test, starting at Birmingham on September 9.

Javed defended the decision to recall seven players, saying Pakistan could not afford to continue with the same combination after two heavy defeats. "We can't just keep waiting," he said.

The selectors have chosen five uncapped players plus openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have a combined experience of only 10 Tests.

Reports have emerged of serious differences between the team management and Javed regarding the playing XI for the Lord's Test, prompting changes midway through the tour. Javed said he had spoken to head coach and captain Babar Azam after the first Test, suggesting they include pace bowler Ubaid Shah, who bowls at 140 kph, and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori instead of Mohammad Rizwan.

"I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph. Agha was rightly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played instead of Rizwan," Javed said.

However, the tour management only dropped Salman Ali Agha, who had led the team in the first Test in Babar's injury-enforced absence, while retaining Rizwan. These comments add to the reports of differences between the selection committee and the team management over the second Test XI, with Javed's recommendations not fully followed.

Squad overhaul ahead of final Test

Pakistan's losses at Headingley and Lord's have prompted sweeping changes, with seven players and two coaches sent back. Sarfaraz was removed after only two Test series in charge, while Hesson and Noffke will take responsibility for the final match.

The visitors will head into the third Test in Birmingham 2-0 down in the series, with a significantly changed squad. The new faces include five uncapped players, indicating a reset as Pakistan looks to avoid a series whitewash.